BattlefieldsSiege of Edinburgh Castle 1571–1573
Tudor

Siege of Edinburgh Castle 1571–1573

1571–1573
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Lang Siege of Edinburgh Castle · Kirkcaldy of Grange Siege
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Marian garrison (Kirkcaldy of Grange)
Forces
Kirkcaldy's garrison c.200–400.
VS
Victor
Regent Morton (English intervention)
Forces
Regent Morton/English c.2,000–3,000 besieging
Outcome
Castle surrendered after English artillery arrived; Kirkcaldy executed
The Battle

History & Significance

William Kirkcaldy of Grange held Edinburgh Castle for Mary Queen of Scots for three years — the "Lang Siege". The castle overlooked the city and its guns controlled the town below. Only when Elizabeth I sent English heavy artillery did the castle fall. Kirkcaldy was hanged. One of the longest sieges in Scottish history, fought in the middle of Scotland's capital.

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